
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A few thousand people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest growing crime, corruption and impunity in a protest organized by members of Generation Z, but which ended with strong backing from older supporters of opposition parties.
In several countries this year, members of the demographic group born between the late 90s and early 2010s have organized protests against inequality, democratic backsliding and corruption.
The largest "Gen Z” protests took place in Nepal in September, following a ban on social media, and led to the resignation of that nation’s prime minister. In Mexico, many young people say they are frustrated with systemic problems like corruption and impunity for violent crimes.
“We need more security” said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant who carried the pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests.
Arizbeth Garcia, a 43-year-old physician who joined the protests said she was marching for more funding for the public health system, and for better security because doctors “are also exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum still has high approval ratings despite a recent spate of high profile murders that includes the assassination of a popular mayor in the western state of Michoacan.
In the days leading up to Saturday’s protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement, and of using bots on social media to try to increase attendance.
This week some “Gen Z” social media influencers said they no longer backed Saturday’s protests. While elderly figures like former President Vicente Fox, and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego published messages in support of the protests.
Saturday’s march was attended by people from several age groups, with supporters of the recently killed Michoacan Mayor Carlos Manzo, attending the protest wearing the straw hats that symbolize his political movement.
“The state is dying,” said Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who traveled from the town of Patzcuaro in Michoacan state.
“He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents. He had the guts to confront them,” she said of Manzo.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Earth's newfound 'episodic-squishy lid' may guide our search for habitable worlds - 2
Crime boss Steven Lyons set to be deported from Bali to Spain - 3
Israeli strike on Gaza City vehicle kills at least four, report says - 4
'Dancing with the Stars' semifinals: How to watch Episode 10 tonight, where to stream, who's left and more - 5
Merz: 80% of Syrians in Germany expected to return within three years
Top 10 Moving Style Architects of the Year
FDA claims on COVID-19 vaccine safety are unsupported by reliable data – and could severely hinder vaccine access
This Luxurious Thermal Spa In Italy Is Perfect For A Relaxing Escape While Visiting Milan
'Heated Rivalry's Ilya Rozanov is now a queer icon in Russia
We may be witnessing the messy death of a star in real time
Best Veggie lover Dinner: What's Your Plant-Based Pick?
Sweet Taste? Candy Fulfills You
Becoming Familiar with an Unknown dialect: My Language Learning Excursion
‘And then we saw the little head.’ Scientists witness rare sperm whale birth













